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Neandertal genes point to interbreeding, inbreeding

Ancient DNA illuminates extinct hominid’s ties to humans, Denisovans

BONE OF RETENTION  Ancient DNA of unprecedented quality came from this Neandertal toe bone, leading to insights about Stone Age interbreeding and inbreeding.

Bence Viola

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

A high-quality chunk of DNA extracted from a Neandertal woman’s roughly 50,000-year-old toe bone has sharpened scientists’ view of genetic ties among Stone Age humans and their nearest, now-extinct relatives.